Process and apparatus for chain moistening cotton fibers in a gin plant



PRCESS AND APlARATUS FR CHAIN MS- 'IENNG CQTTON FIBERS IN A GIN PLANT William R. Bryant, Jonesboro, Application April 27, 1954, Serial No. 425,778

12 Claims. (Cl. 19--66) This invention comprises novel and useful improvements in a process and apparatus for chain moistening cotton fibers in a gin plant and more specifically relates` to the effecting of a predetermined, accurately controlled moisture content of lint cotton fibers through the supplying of additional moisture in successive stages during the various operations performed upon the fibers in the ginning plant.

The primary purpose of this invention is to provide a process and apparatus whereby moisture may be introduced into cotton fibers for effectuating a predetermined, accurately l controlled moisture content thereof.

A further very important aim of this invention is to devise a process and apparatus whereby the desired additional moisture may be introduced in successive stages during the treatment of the cotton fiber in the gin plant.

Another very important intention of the invention is to provide both method and means whereby moisture may be effectively introduced into cotton in accurately controlled. amounts at different successive stages in the treatment of cotton fiber in a gin plant whereby to secure the optimum moisture content of the fiber at a given stage in its treatment.

An additional important object of this invention is to provide an apparatus and process whereby a total predetermined accurately controlled addition of moisture to cotton fibers in a gin plant may be effected in separate successive operations; and in which each operation may be varied with respect to the` other operations as to the quantity and characteristics of moisture introduced. i

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method whereby static charges upon the cotton fibers may be completely dissipated and eliminated and whereby any tendency of the fibers to cornbustion may be effectively opposed by the introduction ,of controlled quantities of moisture into the cotton fibers .a method whereby the optimum benefits may be realized from the introduction of moisture into a gin stand as disclosed and claimed in my co-pending application Serial No. 414,322, now abandoned; from the introduction of Amoisture into the lint condenser as'disclosed and claimed in my co-pending application Serial No. 467,813, which is a continuation-in-part of my abandoned application Serial No. 410,553; and from the introduction of moisture into a device for treating cotton batts as disclosed and claimed rin my co-pending application Serial No. 419,783.

15,535 Patented Dec. 10, 1957 moisture content of up to 2% by weight may be introduced into the seed cotton fibers prior to their passage through the gin saws; up to 1% by weight may be introduced into the lint fibers during their passage through an after cleaner; up to l1/2% or 2% may be introduced into the seed cotton at the feeder or precleaner; traces or token moisture may be introduced into the seed cotton in the suction line and vacuum cleaner; and any desired proportions of additional moisture may be introduced into the lint cotton in the lint condenser and/ or in a batt treating device for batts discharged from the lint condenser.

Throughout the specification and claims the term moisture is used in its broadest sense, covering not only water in all of its phases from liquid, humidified air, water vapor, fog or mist, spray or steam, but also all other liquid agents for treating cotton fibers.

The proportions of moisture content of the cotton fibers, as set forth herein are based upon the quantity of moisture which adheres to or is absorbed by the cotton fibers and which is receivable in the cotton drying operations, and may be termed the exhaustible moisture content of the cotton. It does not include the approximately 25% by weight of moisture which is a component of the chemical structure of the fibers, themselves. In tests made in connection with this moistening it has been found that 10 minutes drying at 250 F. received all of the exhaustible moisture content; and although this drying operation was continued for an additional l0 minutes, there was no further loss of weight of the fibers. Therefore the additional moisture referred to herein is intended to designate the moisture adhering to the cotton fibers; and which in so doing is absorbed by the batt or mass of fibers.

As set forth in detail in my above mentioned co-pending applications, cotton fibers as received at thev gin have widely varying exhaustible moisture contents; and it is essential that the exhaustible moisture content of the cotton fibers be established and maintained and precisely controlled between relatively narrow limits in order that the fibers shall possess the optimum characteristics and performance during the various fiber treating operations in the gin plant and in the subsequent milling and other operations.

It is frequently impracticable or impossible however, to attempt to introduce the entire quantity of the requisite additional moisture during a single stage or at a single station in the treatment of the fiber. The invention disclosed and claimed herein relates to method and apparatus whereby the total amount of moisture to be introduced into the fibers may be effected at different stages and stations in precisely controlled amounts found to be most effective thereat, as desired, butwherein at least traces of moisture are introduced at each stage and station for static dissipation and fire extinguishing purposes.

These together with other objects and advantages which .will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

The single figure of the drawing diagrammatically illustrates the various elements or mechanisms of a convenf kThese other elements include the stands, one of gemelas which is indicated at 16, an after cleaner 18, a lint condenser 20 and a batt treating device 22. There may also be provided a batt moistening device for seed cotton, shown at 15, in advance of the gin stand, as for example, between the cleaner 13 and feeder 14, and which may be of the same construction as the batt treating device 22. Although the method and principles of this invention are not limited thereto, the elements 16, 20 and 22, 15 may be of the constructions disclosed and claimed in my prior co-pending applications Serial Nos. 410,553, 414,322 and 419,783, respectively.

It is now generally agreed by recognized authoritative sources, that seed cotton delivered to the gin is frequently of widely varying moisture content deficiencies ranging upto about by weight from the optimum moisture content of the cotton fiber. Moisture to supply all or any part of this deficiency may be introduced in either the lint condenser or in the batt treating device 22, as disclosed in my co-pending applications Serial No. 410,553 and Serial No. 419,783; and for supplying the deficiency in part at least, in the gin stand 16 as disclosed in my co-pending application Serial No. 414,322; in the seed cotton batt moistening device 15, after cleaner 18, vor in the feeder 14 or vacuum cleaner 13.

However, while it has proven practical to introduce suthcient moisture to supply this entire deficiency in either'the lint condenser or in one of the batt treating devices, I have ascertained that the proportion of moisture -which can be beneficially introduced into the cotton fibers in either the gin stand, precleaner, feeder or the after cleaner, without detrimental effects upon the operation of these elements has definite and critical limits.

I have determined that it is essential, if the optimum moisture content is to be realized, to introduce moisture in excess of the quantity to be added in order -to insure uniformity of the increased moisture content throughout the fibers. This in turn necessitates theremoval of the surplus moisture. Consequently, where appreciable quantities of moisture are to be added, care must be taken to insure that the same is added at stations or equipment having a sufficient normal flow of air therethrough to effect removal of the surplus.

Since the batt moistener 15, feeder 14, gin stand 16, after cleaner 18, lint condenser 20 and the batt moistener 22 are conventional devices having a normal flow of air therethrough, the discharge for this moisture laden air is diagrammatically indicated by the numerals 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 and 33, respectively.

Thus, the introduction of moisture into the seed cotton in the gin stand, in amounts in excess of 2% of the weight of the seed cotton produces a clogging of the gin saws and a cessation or loss of efficiency of the ginning opera.- tion; while the introduction of over 1% by weight of moisture into the lint fibers of the after cleaner causes the loss of valuable fibers with the trash in the discharge from the cleaner with a serious loss of eciency in the after cleaner. Similarly moisture introduction of over ll/z to 2% is detrimental to the operation of the feeder 24.

Yet the introduction of some moisture at each of these stations or operations is exceedingly desirable for the elimination of static and tendency to combustion; and up to the above-mentioned critical limits-or proportions is extremely beneficial to the characteristics of the cotton fiber and to the performance of these elements or mechanisms of the gin plant.

In accordance with the principles of this invention, the desired results and advantages are realized and the above mentioned diculties are overcome by the following methods and arangements.

A preferred method in accordance with this invention is to introduce moisture in stages, at each of the cotton 'elements or mechanisms of the gin plant, or in other words to chain moisten the cotton fibers during their passage through the gin plant.

In accordancevvith this method, additional moisture up to 2% by weight of the seed cotton is introduced into the latter at any time after the cleaning operation is completed and before the cotton passes through the gin saws. In this step of moistening, the moisture in traces at least may be added to the cotton fibers by means of moisture supply conduits 17 into the suction line 12, 19 into the vacuum cleaner 13, 21 `into the batt moistcner 15, 24 in the feeder 14 before they enter the gin stand 16 and/or in the gin stand itself by means of the conduit 26 in the manner disclosed in my co-pending application Serial No. 414,322. The quantity of moisture added at this stage will depend upon the amount of overdrying of the cotton fiber as a result of the drying and cleaning operation, the amount of air passing through the equipment at the particular stage and which is relied upon to remove excess moisture. It is extremely desirable, if possible within the aforesaid limits to raise the cotton moisture content to its optimum value for ginning, or as near thereto as possible, in order to promote the speed and eiciency of the ginning and obtain the best possible lint fiber.

Where the gin plant includes an after cleaner 18, additional moisture in amounts up to 1% by weight of the lint fibers is added by any suitable nozzle arrangement associated with the moisture supply conduit 28. In after cleaners which use centrifugal force and/or the specific gravity of the lint fiber to separate it from the trash, some trash remains with the fiber which is of the same specific gravity as the latter; or which adheres to the latter by static charges. The introduction of moisture just prior to the after cleaning operation will dissipate such static charges and will increase the specific gravity Aof the trash more than it does that of the lint cotton, rendering the cleaning operation more effective.

The moisture introduction at this stage also raises the moisture content of the ber more nearly to its optimum -value if it has not already attained the same.

In the next stage of moisture introduction, any desired proportion of moisture may be introduced into the lint condenser 20, by means of a moisture inlet conduit 30 as set forth in my prior co-pending application. If the 4gin plant does not include an after cleaner 18 and/or a batt treating device 22, all of the remainder of the additional moisture may be introduced at this stage. In general, however, where a batt treating device 22 is provided, it is preferred to divide this remainder of the additional moisture therebetween.

In the final stage, that of the batt treating device 22, enough moisture as by the moisture supply conduit 32 is added to bring the moisture content of the lint fibers to its optimum value, which is about 10% of the weight of kthe lint cotton. v

In the above described method, it will be observed that at least some moisture is added at each stage in order to dissipate static and minimize the possibility of fires. The proportion of moisture introduced at the different stages will be governed by the critical limits, if any, for each stage and by a consideration of the optimum moisture content or minimum moisture requirements for that stage, the critical limits in turn being affected by the air flow which is available for removing surplus moisture at each stage.

In this method, it is evident that where a relatively large quantity of moisture is to be introduced, the time of treatment may be distributed throughout the various stages thereby affording ample time for effective moistening and for removing surplus moisture at each stage and in each mechanism.

In a second method of moistening in accordance with this invention, the bulk of the additional moisture may be introduced at one or two of the mechanisms or stages in order to obtain an optimum moisture content at'that stage or stages, and a trace only of moisture may be added at the other stages to dissipate static and prevent f:s Thus `under this method, all of the moisture may be added at the gin stand 16, if the cotton is less than 2% deficient in its moisture content; or amounts up to 2% may be added at the gin stand and up to 1% in the after cleaner if the cotton is over 2% deficient in its moisture content.

In a third method of moistening the additional moisture may be evenly distributed between all of the stages and mechanisms, due regard being given to the critical limits of the gin stand, after cleaner, and other equipment.

The important, essential advantages and benefits of this invention are:

(l) The introduction of at least some moisture at every stage or mechanism of the gin plant prevents the accumulation of static charges upon the cotton fibers anywhere in the gin thereby rendering the movement of the fibers easier and more uniform and preventing any gathering of the fibers into masses.

(2) The introduction of moisture at every stage of mechanism in the gin plant substantially completely prevents the initiation or continuance of fires in the bers.

(3) The optimum moisture content of the fibers in any particular stage or mechanism for its treatment will be secured as nearly as possible.

(4) The lint fibers after passage through the gin plant will have their optimum moisture content, resulting in the best possible performance of the lint fibers in any subsequent milling operation.

(5) Since the introduction of the moisture is effected in a plurality of stages, there is ample time, and ample air to remove surplus moisture, for a uniform, complete and homogeneous moisture absorption by the cotton fibers.

(6) Since the gin operator is confronted with widely varying moisture content in the seed cotton the latter varying sometimes from hour to hour during the picking of the cotton and even with a single batch of seed cotton, the provision as set forth herein of chain moistening gives the ginner an instantaneous control of the moisture addition.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

l. A method of chain moistening cotton fibers, which have a moisture deficiency, in a gin plant to obtain a desired final fiber moisture content ranging up to about 10% by weight which comprises introducing moisture into the iibers of seed cotton prior to their passage from the gin saws to secure a portion of the desired final moisture content and introducing additional moisture into the fibers of lint cotton to obtain the remainder of the desired final moisture content after passage from the gin saws and prior to their discharge from the lint condenser, at least one of said steps of introducing moisture including the accompanying of the fibers by an air stream and the introduction into the air stream of a surplus of moisture in an amount exceeding that which is to be absorbed by the fibers during that step and thereby creating an air stream laden with excess moisture and having contact with the fibers, thereafter removing air laden with excess moisture and controlling the relative quantities of surplus moisture introduced and of excess moisture removed to thereby secure a desired increased moisture content in said fibers.

2. A gin plant including a gin stand having gin saws, an after cleaner, a lint condenser and a batt moistening device for introducing moisture into the lint batt discharged by the condenser, each of said gin stand, after cleaner, lint condenser and batt moistening device including means for accompanying the ow of fibers therethrough with an air stream, means for producing a desired and total moisture content in the lint treated by the plant comprising; means for introducing moisture into the cotton fibers prior to their discharge from the gin saws of the gin stand to produce a moisture increase ranging up to about 2% by weight of the fibers, means for introducing moisture into the lint fibers in an after cleaner to produce a moisture increase ranging up to about 1% by weight of the fibers, means for introducing moisture into the lint fibers in the lint condenser and in the batt moistening device in sufiicient proportions to complete the desired and total moisture content, at least one of said means introducing into the associated air stream a surplus of moisture in an amount exceeding that which is to be absorbed by the iibers whereby to create an air stream laden with excess moisture in contact with the fibers, means for removing a portion of said air laden with excess moisture to thereby control the relative quantities of surplus moisture introduced and of excess moisture removed whereby to secure a desired increased moisture content in said fibers,

3. A method of moistening cotton fibers to obtain an optimum moisture content thereof while in a gin plant having a gin stand with gin saws, an after cleaner, a lint condenser and a batt treating device, which comprises; introducing into the seed cotton, while passing through a gin plant and prior to its passage through the gin saws of the gin stand, moisture in amounts ranging up to at least 2% by weight of the seed cotton, introducing into the lint fibers after their passage through the gin saws of the gin stand and during their passage through the after cleaner additional moisture in amounts up to about 1% by weight of the lint cotton, introducing into the lint cotton and while passing through the lint condenser and the batt treating device the balance of the additional moisture necessary to secure the optimum moisture content of the cotton fibers, at least one of said steps of introducing moisture including the accompanying of the fibers by anair stream and the introduction into the air stream of a surplus of moisture in an amount exceeding that which is to be absorbed by the fibers during that step and thereby creating an air stream laden with excess moisture and having contact with the fibers, thereafter removing air laden with excess moisture and controliing the relative quantities of surplus moisture introduced and of excess moisture removed to thereby secure a desired increased moisture content in said fibers.

4. A method of moistening cotton fibers, which have a moisture deficiency, in a gin plant having a gin stand with gin saws, an after cleaner, a lint condenser and a batt treating device, which comprises; introducing into the seed cotton, and prior to its passage through the gin saws of the gin stand, moisture in amounts ranging up to at least 2% by weight of the seed cotton, introducing into the lint fibers after their passage through the gin saws of the gin stand and during their passage through the after cleaner additional moisture in amounts up to about 1% by weight of the lint cotton, at least one of said steps of introducing moisture including the accompanying of the fibers by an air stream and the introduction into the air stream of a surplus of moisture in an amount exceeding that which is to be absorbed by the fibers during that step and thereby creating an air stream laden with excess moisture and having contact with the fibers, thereafter removing air laden with excess moisture and controlling the relative quantities of surplus moisture introduced and of excess moisture removed to thereby secure a desired increased moisture contact in said fibers.

5. A method of moistening cotton fibers to obtain an optimum moisture content thereof while in a gin plant having a gin stand with gin saws, an after cleaner, a lint condenser and a batt treating device, which comprises; introducing into the seed cotton, while passing through a gin plant and prior to its passage through the aeftasse "7 gnisaws'ofthe gn' stand, moisture n amounts ranging up to atleast 2% by Aweight of the seed cotton, introducingv into the lint cotton which is in the lint condenser and the batt treating device the balance of the additional moisture necessary to secure a moisture content of the fibers ranging up to about 10% by weight, at least one of said steps of introducing .moisture including the accompanying of the fibers by an air stream and the introduction into the air stream of a surplus of moisture in an amount'exceeding that which is to be absored by the iibers during that step and thereby creating an air stream laden with excess moisture and having lcontact with thebers, thereafter removing air laden with excess moisture and controlling the relative quantities of surplus moistureintroduced and of excess moisture removed to therebysecure a desired increased moisture contact in said fibers.

6, A method for securing the optimum moisture contact for cotton fibers, which have a moisture deficiency, and to effect complete and homogeneous moistening of the iibers which comprises chain moistening the iibers to produce a desired total moisture content ranging up to about 10% by weight of the fibers, the additional moisture being added by introducing a fraction of the additional moisture necessary to realize the desired total moisture content into the seed cotton and introducing the remainder of the additional moisture necessary into the lint cotton, each of said steps of introducing moisture including the accompanying of the fibers by an air stream and the introduction into the air stream of a surplus of moisture in an amount exceeding that which is to be absored by the bers during that step and thereby creatingan air stream laden with excess moisture and having contact withthel fibers, thereafter-'removing air laden with excessgmoisture and controllingthe relative quantities of surplus moisture introduced vrand vof excess moisture removed to thereby/secure-a'desired increased moisture con,-` tent in said fibers. v

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said introduction of a surplus of moisture is-eteeted prior tothe passage of said `fibers from said gin saws.

8. The method of A'claim 1 wherein said gin Aplant includes a feeder'and wherein said introduction of a surplus of moisture is effected-in said feeder.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said gin plant includes an after cleaner and wherein said introduction of afsurplus of moisture is effected in said after cleaner.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said introduction of a surplus of moisture is-effected in-said lint condenser.

11. The method of claim 6 wherein one of said two steps of introducing additional moisture is effected in the gin stand and the lother is eiected in the lint condenser of a gin plant. i

l2. The method of claim y1 wherein the iibers are passed through a fgin plant substantially without interruption to their progress.

'References'.Cited inthe tile of this patent yUNITED STATES PATENTS Speakes et al. May 29, 

